Graham Packaging responds to consumer preferences in design of innovative Safe-T-Can for Basic American Foods

The new barrier polyolefin No. 10 plastic can is used for Basic American Foods' WHIPP™ brand of potato granules, an instant mashed potato product for high-volume food service operations.

20/02/06 YORK , Pennsylvania , USA —Graham Packaging Company, L.P., designed the innovative Safe-T-Can™ for food service leader Basic American Foods in direct response to customer feedback. The new barrier polyolefin No. 10 plastic can is used for Basic American Foods' WHIPP™ brand of potato granules, an instant mashed potato product for high-volume food service operations.

Prior to the design process, Basic American Foods conducted extensive research to determine the packaging features that were most important to its customers. Safety, ease of use, and convenient storage were identified as the top priorities. Graham Packaging then designed the Safe-T-Can with features that address each customer priority.

The Safe-T-Can features a wide mouth and a snap-off, re-closable cap. This eliminates the need for a can opener, which was identified as an important safety consideration by Basic American Foods' customers. A peel-back foil barrier under the cap further protects food contents. The Safe-T-Can also features a built-in handle to ensure easy pouring and a no-slip grip. To accommodate storage priorities that are unique to food service, the container fits in can racks and stacks easily on shelves.

The 105-fluid-ounce can is a six-layer HDPE (high-density polyethylene) container. The new packaging replaces use of a No. 10 metal can. The economical WHIPP™ brand is available in three varieties: WHIPP™ Complete Instant Mashed Potatoes with vitamin C; WHIPP™ Instant Mashed Potatoes with vitamin C; and WHIPP™ Automash Potato Mix. Basic American Foods launched the Safe-T-Can to food service distributors in January 2006.

"The Safe-T-Can is an example of designing a product that meets the specific needs of the end user," said Terry Keener, Graham Packaging's business development manager for food and beverage polyolefins . "We created a container that pairs design with functionality and offers all the features that are important to Basic American Foods' customers."

"Improved packaging adds important value for our customers," said Roger Smith, senior marketing manager, customer products, at Basic American Foods. "The Safe-T-Can design was driven by our customers' stated priorities. Graham Packaging helped us consider many options and then designed the one that best addressed our customers' needs."

Basic American Foods is a privately held company headquartered in Walnut Creek , California . The company employs approximately 1,500 people and was founded more than 70 years ago. Basic American Foods pioneered the technology for "instant" mashed potatoes. Some of the company's leading brands include: Potato Pearls®, Golden Grill®, Redi-Shred®, WHIPP™, and Classic Casserole® potatoes; Quick-Start® Chili; and Santiago® refried beans. For more information about Basic American Foods, visit www.baf.com or contact Betsy Krugliak at betsy@thepacificgroup.com or (510) 444-0412.

Graham Packaging, based in York , is a worldwide leader in technology-based, customized blow-molded plastic containers for the branded food and beverage, household, personal care and specialty, and automotive lubricants markets. The company produces more than 20 billion container units at 87 plants in North America, Europe, and South America , and had sales for the last 12 months of $2.4 billion.

The company is a leading U.S. supplier of plastic containers for hot-fill juice and juice drinks, sports drinks, drinkable yogurt and smoothies, nutritional supplements, wide-mouth food, dressings, condiments, and beers; the leading global supplier of plastic containers for yogurt drinks; the leading supplier of plastic containers for liquid laundry detergent; and the number-one supplier in the U.S., Canada, and Brazil of one-quart/one-liter plastic HDPE (high-density polyethylene) containers for motor oil.

The Blackstone Group of New York is the majority owner of Graham Packaging.